Deluge came down as many matches are played (8)
I believe the answer is:
floodlit
'many matches are played' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'deluge came down' is the wordplay.
'deluge' becomes 'flood' (synonyms).
'came down' becomes 'lit' (light or alight can mean to land).
'flood'+'lit'='FLOODLIT'
'as' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for floodlit that I've seen before include "as late matches are played?" , "Brightly illuminated" , "was intensely illuminating" , "receiving enlightenment" , "late-night play?" .)